CN108366630B

CN108366630B - Component for an aerosol-generating system comprising a disabling member

Info

Publication number: CN108366630B
Application number: CN201680073706.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: T·李维尔
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2016-01-08
Filing date: 2016-12-16
Publication date: 2022-11-01
Anticipated expiration: 2036-12-16
Also published as: EP3399875B1; US10729178B2; MX2018008093A; CA3006512A1; US20170196268A1; RU2018124782A3; EP3399875A1; IL259520A; US20200329767A1; JP6968801B2; WO2017118557A1; CN108366630A; US11864591B2; RU2766972C2; JP2019506855A; RU2018124782A; US20240122254A1; KR20180100319A

Abstract

A component (100) for an aerosol-generating system, a cartridge for an aerosol-generating system and an aerosol-generating system, wherein the component (100), the cartridge and the aerosol-generating system comprise: a storage portion (108) for storing an aerosol-forming substrate (110); and a manually operable disabling means for making the component (100), the cartridge or the aerosol-generating system irreversibly inoperable. The component (100), the cartridge and the aerosol-generating system may further comprise an aerosol-generating member and one or more air channels (115). The disabling member may be configured such that at least one of the storage portion (108), the aerosol-generating member and the one or more air channels (115) is irreversibly inoperable.

Description

Component for an aerosol-generating system comprising a disabling member

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a component for an aerosol-generating system. In particular, the invention relates to components for electrically operated smoking systems.

Background

One type of aerosol-generating system is an electrically operated smoking system. Electrically operated smoking systems typically use a liquid aerosol-forming substrate that is atomised to form an aerosol. Electrically operated smoking systems typically comprise a power source, a liquid storage portion for holding a supply of liquid aerosol-forming substrate, and an atomiser.

It is known to provide electrically operated smoking systems with disabling means, such as fusible links, which are operated by an electronic controller so that the system or cartridge is not operable in response to particular operating conditions. However, such disabling means do not provide the user with the option of when to render the system inoperable. It is also known to provide electrically operated smoking systems with temporary disabling means, such as a cap and a rotatable valve, to temporarily block the passage of the system when the system is not in use. However, such temporary disabling means may be removed to restore operation of the smoking system and thus render the system or cartridge irreversibly inoperable by the user.

It is desirable to provide an aerosol-generating system or a component for an aerosol-generating system, such as a cartridge, that enables a user to render the aerosol-generating system or a component for an aerosol-generating system irreversibly inoperable upon selection by the user, thereby substantially preventing or inhibiting unauthorized use of the aerosol-generating system.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a component for an aerosol-generating system, the component comprising: a storage portion for holding an aerosol-forming substrate; and a manually operable disabling means for making the component irreversibly inoperable.

For some reasons it is advantageous to be able to manually operate the disabling means to render the component irreversibly inoperable. The manually operable disabling means enables a user to prevent unauthorized operation of the component. The manually operable disabling means enables a user to decide when to render the component irreversibly inoperable. The user may decide to render the member irreversibly inoperable to substantially prevent or inhibit filling or refilling of the storage portion by inappropriate or even hazardous matrix materials. The user may decide to render the member irreversibly inoperable to substantially prevent or inhibit unauthorised access to the aerosol-forming substrate held in the storage portion. The user may decide to render the component irreversibly inoperable to substantially prevent or inhibit operation of the aerosol-generating system. A user may decide to render the component irreversibly inoperable to substantially prevent or inhibit operation of the component in an aerosol-generating system. By making the components irreversibly inoperable, the user can tilt more to position the used or undesired component or aerosol-generating system.

As used herein, with reference to the present invention, the term 'manually operated' is used to describe a disabling member operated by a user. In other words, the disabling member is configured to be operated by a user, not by a control system of the aerosol-generating system.

The component that has been rendered irreversibly inoperable by manually operating the disabling means is a component that will not be in or operated as part of the aerosol-generating system. Components that have been rendered irreversibly inoperable by disabling means may be unmodified to operate in an aerosol-generating system without substantially altering or potentially damaging the components. In other words, the disabling means may be configured such that the component is not permanently operable.

The component may be part of a cartridge for an aerosol-generating system. The component may be a cartridge for an aerosol-generating system. The component may be an integral part of the aerosol-generating system. The components may be integrally formed in the aerosol-generating system. The component may be secured to other components or parts of the aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-generating system may be an electrically operated smoking system. The disabling means may be configured to render the component, the cartridge, the aerosol-generating system or the electrically operated smoking system irreversibly inoperable.

The component may include additional features. The component may comprise an aerosol generating member. The component may comprise one or more air channels. Where the component comprises an aerosol-generating member, at least a portion of the aerosol-generating member may be arranged in one or more of the one or more air channels. The disabling means may be configured such that any feature of the component is irreversibly inoperable. The disabling means may be configured such that one or more features of the component are irreversibly inoperable. The disabling means may be configured such that the storage portion is irreversibly inoperable. The disabling member may be configured such that the aerosol-generating member is irreversibly inoperable. The disabling member may be configured such that the one or more air channels are irreversibly inoperable.

The components may be configured to perform one or more functions. The component may be configured to hold an aerosol-forming substrate. The component may be configured to supply an aerosol-generating substrate to an aerosol-generating device. The component may be configured to atomise an aerosol-forming substrate held in the storage portion. The component may be configured to supply the atomised aerosol-forming substrate to an aerosol-generating device. The disabling means may be configured to substantially prevent the component from performing one or more of the one or more functions.

The manually operable disabling means may comprise a mechanical disabling means. The manually operated disabling member may comprise a disabling mechanism. The disabling mechanism may comprise a movable portion. The movable portion is movable by physical force. For example, the disabling means may be operable by a user to apply rotation, deformation, stress or pressure to the disabling means. The mechanical disabling means may advantageously enable a user to manually render the component irreversibly inoperable without connecting the component to a power source.

The disabling member may be configured to be manually operated by any suitable action of a user. The disabling member may be configured to be depressed by a user. The disabling member may be configured to be twisted off by a user in a manner similar to pinching off a conventional cigar or cigarette. The disabling member may be configured to be compressed by a user. The disabling member may be configured to be twisted by a user. The disabling member may be configured to be bent by a user. The disabling member may be configured to be pulled by a user. By performing a disabling action to operate the disabling means and making the component non-permanently and irreversibly operable, the user may further tilt to position the component or the aerosol-generating system.

The disabling means may be configured to destroy or damage a feature or a portion of the component when the disabling means is operated. The feature or portion of the component may be a connection between the component and another component of the aerosol-generating system.

The disabling means may comprise any suitable means for manually operating the disabling means. For example, the disabling means may comprise a button. The disabling means may comprise a switch. The disabling means may comprise a lever.

The component may comprise a housing. Where the component is part of a cartridge, the housing may be at least part of the housing of the cartridge. Where the component is part of an aerosol-generating system, the housing may be at least part of a housing of the aerosol-generating system.

Where the component comprises a housing, the disabling member may comprise at least a portion of the housing. The means for manually operating the disabling member may comprise said portion of the housing. By configuring a portion of the housing as a means for manually operating the disabling means, operation of the disabling means may alter the appearance of the component. This may prompt the user to place the component that has been rendered irreversibly inoperable.

The component may include a housing including a first housing portion and a second housing portion. The first housing portion is manually movable relative to the second housing portion to operate the disabling member. The first housing portion may be receivable in the second housing portion. The first housing portion may be receivable in the second housing portion by an interference fit. The interference fit may make it more difficult for a user to operate the disabling means. This may reduce the likelihood of the user accidentally operating the disabling member.

The first housing portion may be configured to be pushed by a user towards the second housing portion to operate the disabling member. The first housing portion may be configured to be pushed into the second housing portion by a user to operate the disabling member. The first housing portion may be arranged to operate as a button. The first and second housing portions may be arranged at ends of the component. This may enable a user to operate the disabling means by twisting out a component at the end of the first housing portion, pushing the first housing portion into the second housing portion to operate the disabling means. This may change the appearance of the component and indicate to the intended user that the component has been rendered irreversibly inoperable. This may also encourage the user to locate the inoperable part.

The first housing portion may be configured to be pulled away from the second housing portion by a user to operate the disabling member. The first housing portion may be configured to be pulled out of the second housing portion by a user to operate the disabling member. The second housing portion may be configured to be compressed by a user towards the first housing portion to operate the disabling member.

The first housing portion is movable relative to the second housing portion from an operating arrangement to a disabling arrangement to operate the disabling member. The component is operable when the first housing portion is in the operating arrangement. The component may be inoperable when the first housing portion is in the disabled arrangement. The disabling member may be configured to substantially prevent or inhibit a user from moving the first housing portion from the disabling arrangement to the operating arrangement. This may substantially prevent unauthorized operation of the component after operation of the disabling means.

The first housing portion and the second housing portion may be arranged such that when the first housing portion is in the disabled arrangement, the first housing portion is substantially contained in the second housing portion. When the first housing portion is in the disabled arrangement, the first housing portion and the second housing portion may be arranged such that the first housing portion is substantially inaccessible to a user. This may substantially prevent or inhibit a user from moving the first housing part from the disabling arrangement to the operating arrangement.

The disabling means may comprise a locking means to substantially prevent or inhibit movement of the first housing portion from the disabling arrangement to the operating arrangement. The locking member may be configured to substantially prevent or inhibit movement of the first housing portion relative to the second housing portion when the first housing portion is in the disabled arrangement. The locking member may comprise any suitable member that secures the first housing portion to the second housing portion. The locking member may comprise a latch. The locking member may comprise an engaging material, such as an adhesive. The locking member may be arranged on the first housing part. The locking member may be arranged on the second housing part. The locking member may be arranged on the first housing part and the second housing part.

The component may comprise a housing comprising a manually deformable portion. The manually deformable portion may be arranged to operate the disabling member when the manually deformable portion is deformed. Deforming the shell of the component may alter the appearance of the component. This may indicate to the intended user that the component has been rendered irreversibly inoperable. This may also encourage the user to locate the inoperable part. The manually deformable portion may be configured to deform based on any suitable action by the user. The manually deformable portion may be configured to deform upon application of compression, tension or torsion by a user. The manually deformable portion may comprise a portion having any suitable structural weakness. The manually deformable portion may include a portion having a reduced thickness. The manually deformable portion may include a scored portion. The manually deformable portion may comprise a joint between two housing portions.

The disabling means may be configured such that the storage portion is irreversibly inoperable. This may substantially prevent or inhibit unauthorised access to aerosol-forming substrate held in the storage portion.

The storage portion may comprise means for conveying aerosol-forming substrate held in the storage portion out of the storage portion. The storage portion may comprise one or more channels for conveying aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion. The disabling member may be configured to substantially prevent or inhibit aerosol-forming substrate from exiting the storage portion. The disabling member may be configured to prevent aerosol-forming substrate from exiting the storage portion. The disabling member may comprise one or more barriers which prevent aerosol-forming substrate from exiting the storage portion. The one or more barriers may be arranged to prevent the one or more channels from conveying aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion when the disabling member is operated.

The storage portion may include a housing. The housing of the storage portion may be a rigid housing. As used herein, the term 'rigid housing' is used to mean a self-supporting housing. The storage portion may be configured to hold any suitable aerosol-forming substrate. The storage portion may be configured to hold a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The storage portion may be configured to hold a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The storage portion may be configured to hold liquid and solid aerosol-forming substrates.

Where the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, the storage portion may be a liquid storage portion configured to hold the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The disabling member may be configured such that the liquid storage portion is irreversibly inoperable. This may substantially prevent or prohibit a user from refilling the storage portion with unauthorized and potentially harmful matrix material.

The disabling member may be configured to render the liquid storage portion irreversibly inoperable by piercing the liquid storage portion upon operation of the disabling member. Piercing the liquid storage portion may render the liquid storage portion unsuitable for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Where the liquid storage portion comprises a housing, the disabling member may be configured to pierce or break the housing of the liquid storage portion. The housing of the liquid storage portion may comprise one or more frangible portions. The one or more frangible portions may generally be structurally weakened portions as compared to other portions of the housing. The one or more frangible portions may be thinner than other portions of the housing. The frangible portion may be configured and arranged to be pierced or broken upon operation of the disabling member.

The disabling member may comprise one or more piercing elements. For example, the disabling means may comprise one, two, three, four, five or six piercing elements. Where the housing comprises one or more frangible portions, the one or more piercing elements may be disposed opposite the one or more frangible portions. The one or more piercing elements may be arranged to contact the frangible portion to pierce or break the one or more frangible portions when the disabling member is operated. The one or more piercing elements may include one or more channels to enable fluid communication through the one or more piercing elements. The one or more piercing elements may comprise any suitable material. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics or composites. Where the component comprises a housing, the one or more piercing elements may comprise the same material as the housing.

The one or more piercing elements may comprise one or more spikes. The one or more spikes may include one or more piercing tips. The one or more spikes may have any suitable shape. The one or more spikes may be generally conical or pyramidal in shape. The one or more piercing elements may comprise one or more blades. The one or more blades may include one or more cutting edges. The one or more cutting edges may be sharp. The one or more vanes may have any suitable shape. The one or more vanes may be substantially planar or non-planar. The one or more vanes may be arcuate. The one or more vanes may be substantially circular or elliptical.

Where the component comprises a housing, the one or more piercing elements may be arranged on the housing of the component. Where the housing of the component comprises a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the one or more piercing elements may be disposed on the first housing portion, the second housing portion, or both the first housing portion and the second housing portion. The one or more piercing elements may be configured to move the first housing portion to pierce the liquid storage portion when the disabling member is operated. Where the housing comprises a manually deformable portion, the one or more piercing elements may be positioned on the housing towards or at the manually deformable portion. The one or more piercing elements may be arranged to move the manually deformable portion to pierce the liquid storage portion when the manually deformable portion is deformed.

The disabling means may comprise a secondary storage portion. The secondary storage portion may be substantially isolated from the liquid storage portion. In other words, the auxiliary storage portion may not be in fluid communication with the liquid storage portion. The housing of the liquid portion may substantially isolate the liquid storage portion from the auxiliary storage portion. The auxiliary storage part may include a housing. The housing of the auxiliary storage portion may substantially isolate the auxiliary storage portion from the liquid storage portion.

The disabling member may be configured to enable fluid communication between the liquid storage portion and the auxiliary storage portion when the disabling member is operated. The disabling member may be configured to enable fluid communication between the liquid storage portion and the auxiliary storage portion. The disabling means may comprise means for effecting fluid communication between the liquid storage portion and the auxiliary storage portion when the disabling means is operated. The secondary storage portion may be configured to collect liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid storage portion upon operation of the disabling member. The secondary storage portion may be configured to retain the collected liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

Where the disabling member comprises one or more piercing elements, the one or more piercing elements may be arranged to pierce at least one of the housing of the liquid storage portion and the housing of the secondary storage portion to enable fluid communication between the liquid storage portion and the secondary storage portion.

One or more channels may be provided between the liquid storage portion and the auxiliary storage portion to enable fluid communication between the liquid storage portion and the auxiliary storage portion. One or more one-way or check valves may be disposed in the one or more passages. The one or more one-way valves may enable communication of liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid storage portion to the secondary storage portion. The one or more one-way valves may substantially prevent or inhibit communication of liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the secondary storage portion to the liquid storage portion. One or more barriers may be disposed in or around the one or more channels to substantially prevent or inhibit fluid communication through the one or more channels. The disabling member may be configured to move, pierce or remove the one or more barriers upon operation of the disabling member. Where the disabling member comprises one or more piercing elements, the one or more piercing elements may be arranged to pierce the one or more barriers upon operation of the disabling member.

The auxiliary storage portion may be configured at a lower pressure than the storage portion. When the disabling means is operated, a pressure differential may cause liquid aerosol-forming substrate to pass from the liquid storage portion to the secondary storage portion, whilst permitting fluid communication between the liquid storage portion and the secondary storage portion. The liquid storage portion may be configured at about atmospheric pressure (typically about 100kPa or 1 atm). The secondary storage portion may be configured at between about 50% and about 95% of atmospheric pressure, between about 70% and 90% of atmospheric pressure, or about 80% of atmospheric pressure.

The disabling member may comprise an adsorbent material. The sorbent material may be arranged to absorb or adsorb liquid aerosol-forming substrate held in the liquid storage portion when the disabling member is operated. In use, the sorbent material may be brought into contact with the liquid aerosol-forming substrate when the disabling means is operated. On contact with the sorbent material, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be absorbed or adsorbed by the sorbent material. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be retained by the sorbent material such that use of the aerosol-forming substrate for generating an aerosol in an aerosol-generating system is substantially prevented or inhibited.

In the case where the disabling member includes an auxiliary storage portion, the adsorbent material may be disposed in the auxiliary storage portion. The auxiliary storage portion may be configured to retain the adsorbent material when the disabling member is operated. The secondary storage portion may be configured to release the sorbent material into the liquid storage portion upon operation of the disabling member.

The adsorbent material may have any suitable structure. The adsorbent material may have a sponge-like structure. The sorbent material may have a fibrous structure. The adsorbent material may comprise any suitable material. The adsorbent material may comprise an absorbent material. The adsorbent material may comprise an adsorbent material. The adsorbent material may comprise activated carbon. The adsorbent material may comprise silica. The sorbent material may comprise a cellulosic material. The adsorbent material may comprise a desiccant. The adsorbent material may comprise a polymeric material. The sorbent material may include a superabsorbent polymer (SAP).

The disabling means may comprise an auxiliary storage portion comprising an adsorbent material, such as a sponge; and one or more piercing elements for piercing the housing of the liquid storage portion upon operation of the disabling member. In use, upon operation of the disabling member by a user, the one or more piercing elements may pierce the housing of the liquid storage portion, thereby enabling fluid communication between the liquid storage portion and the auxiliary storage portion. A liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be in contact with the adsorbent material in the secondary storage portion and absorbed by the secondary storage portion. The sorbent material may retain the liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the secondary storage portion. This may render the liquid storage portion unsuitable for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. This may render the liquid storage portion irreversibly inoperable.

The component may comprise an aerosol generating member. The aerosol-generating member may be arranged to receive an aerosol-forming substrate held in the storage portion. The aerosol-generating member may comprise a nebulizer. The aerosol-generating member may be configured to atomise the aerosol-forming substrate using heat. The aerosol-generating member may comprise a heating member. The aerosol-generating member may be configured to atomise the aerosol-forming substrate using ultrasonic vibration. The aerosol-generating member may comprise an ultrasonic transducer.

Where the component comprises an aerosol-generating member arranged to receive an aerosol-generating substrate held in the storage portion, the disabling member may be configured such that the aerosol-generating member is irreversibly inoperable.

The disabling means may be configured to substantially prevent or inhibit the aerosol-forming substrate from being received at the aerosol-generating means. This may be achieved by moving the aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion to a secondary storage portion, substantially as described above. This may be achieved by releasing a substance, such as a sorbent material, into the storage portion, substantially as described above. This may be achieved by introducing one or more barriers between the storage portion and the aerosol-generating member. The disabling means may comprise one or more barriers. The one or more barriers may be configured to move between the storage portion and the aerosol-generating member to substantially prevent or inhibit receipt of aerosol-forming substrate at the aerosol-generating member when the disabling member is operated.

The aerosol-generating member may be an electrically operated aerosol-generating member. The electrically operated aerosol-generating member may comprise an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit may be arranged to electrically connect the aerosol-generating member to a power supply of the aerosol-generating system. The electrical circuit may be arranged to connect the aerosol-generating member to a control system of the aerosol-generating system.

The disabling means may be configured to irreversibly destroy the circuit. This may substantially prevent the component from being used in an aerosol-generating system to generate an aerosol. The circuit may include one or more frangible connections. The disabling member may be configured to irreversibly destroy the one or more frangible connections. The circuit may comprise any suitable electrical conduit. The conduit may comprise a foil wire or a foil strip. The wire may comprise any suitable material, such as a metal or alloy. The one or more frangible connections may comprise any suitable electrical connection. Examples of suitable frangible connections include weld joints, weld points, magnetic connections, crimped connections, press-fit connections, packaging materials, and bonding materials, such as adhesives. The one or more frangible connections may comprise a press-fit or press-fit connection arranged to urge the opposing connectors into contact without engagement.

Where the component comprises a housing, the one or more frangible connections may be arranged at or on the housing. Where the housing comprises first and second housing portions, the one or more frangible connections may be arranged at an interface between the first and second housing portions. The one or more frangible connections may be configured to break upon moving the first housing portion relative to the second housing portion.

The circuit may include a first wire and a second wire connected at a frangible connection. The first wire may be secured to the first housing portion and arranged to move through the first housing portion. The second electrical wire may be connected to the second housing part and arranged to be moved by the second housing part. The frangible connection may be configured to break upon moving the first housing portion relative to the second housing portion.

Where the housing comprises a manually deformable portion, the one or more frangible connections may be arranged at the deformable portion. The one or more frangible connections may be configured to break upon deforming the manually deformable portion. The disabling member may comprise one or more piercing or cutting elements arranged to pierce or cut the one or more frangible connections of the electrical circuit to break the electrical circuit.

The component may comprise one or more air channels. The air passage may enable airflow through the component. The provision of one or more air passages for airflow through the component may allow an aerosol-generating system comprising the component to be compact. This may also allow an aerosol-generating system comprising the components to become symmetrical and balanced, which is advantageous when the system is a handheld system. The one or more air channels may also minimize heat loss from the device and enable the components or the housing of the system to be easily maintained at a temperature at which the user is comfortable holding.

Where the component comprises an aerosol-generating member, at least a portion of the aerosol-generating member may be arranged in one or more of the one or more air channels. The aerosol-generating member may be configured to generate an atomised aerosol-forming substrate in one or more of the one or more air channels. The one or more air channels may be arranged such that, in use, a user may draw on the aerosol-generating system and draw air through the one or more air channels. Air drawn through the one or more air channels may entrain the atomised aerosol-forming substrate generated by the aerosol-generating member and the entrained aerosol-forming substrate may be drawn through the system to the user for inhalation.

Where the component comprises one or more air channels, the disabling means may comprise means for rendering the one or more air channels irreversibly inoperable. The means for rendering the one or more air channels irreversibly inoperable may comprise means for substantially preventing or inhibiting airflow through the one or more air channels. This may substantially prevent a user from drawing aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating system from or through the component. This may render the component irreversibly inoperable with the aerosol-generating system.

The disabling member may include one or more barriers for preventing airflow through the one or more air channels. The one or more barriers may be movable to substantially block the one or more air passages when the disabling member is operated. The one or more barriers may substantially prevent or inhibit airflow through the one or more air passages. Where the component comprises a housing, the one or more barriers may be provided on the housing. Where the housing comprises a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the one or more barriers may be secured to at least one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion. The one or more barriers may be arranged to enable airflow through the one or more air passages when the first housing portion is in the operative arrangement. The one or more barriers may be arranged to substantially block the one or more air passages when the disabling member is operated. The one or more barriers may be arranged to substantially block the one or more air passages when the first housing part is in the disabled arrangement. The one or more barriers may be arranged on a manually deformable portion of the housing. The one or more barriers may be movable to substantially block the one or more air passages when deforming the manually deformable portion to operate the disabling member. The disabling member may comprise one or more barriers arranged to substantially block at least one air inlet or air outlet of the one or more air channels. The disabling means may comprise two or more barriers substantially blocking at least the air inlet and the air outlet of the one or more air channels.

The manually operable disabling means may comprise one or more of the disabling means substantially as described herein. The disabling means may comprise one or more of means for rendering the storage portion irreversibly inoperable, means for rendering the aerosol-generating means irreversibly inoperable and means for rendering the one or more air channels irreversibly inoperable.

The components may have any suitable shape. The member may have a generally cylindrical shape having a length and a width. The components may have any desired cross-section, such as circular, hexagonal, octagonal, or decagonal.

The means for manually operating the disabling member may be arranged at any suitable position of the component. The means for manually operating the disabling member may be arranged towards the end of the component, may be arranged at the end of the component or may be arranged at a central position along the length of the component.

As used herein, with reference to the present invention, the term 'longitudinal' refers to a direction between opposite ends of the component. For a component for use with an aerosol-generating system, the longitudinal direction is a direction between an end of the component arranged towards a mouthpiece end of the aerosol-generating system and an opposite end of the component arranged towards a body end of the aerosol-generating system. The term 'transverse' is used to mean a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The term 'length' is used to describe the largest longitudinal dimension of the component. The term 'width' is used to describe the maximum lateral dimension of the component.

The storage portion may be of any suitable shape and size. The storage portion may have a substantially circular cross-section. The storage portion may include a housing. The housing may be a rigid housing. Where the component comprises an aerosol-generating member, the rigid housing of the storage portion may provide mechanical support to the aerosol-generating member.

The component may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate held in the storage portion. An aerosol-forming substrate is a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. The volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The volatile compound may be released by moving the aerosol-forming substrate through the passage of the vibratable element.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise both liquid and solid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The nicotine comprising the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be a nicotine salt matrix. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plant-based material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavour compounds which are released from the aerosol-forming substrate on heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenized tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-free material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenized plant-based material.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol-former. The aerosol former is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds which, in use, helps to form a dense and stable aerosol and is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the system. Suitable aerosol-forming agents are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerol; esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as mono-, di-or tri-glycerides; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. The aerosol former may be a polyol or a mixture thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerol. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise other additives and ingredients, for example flavourants.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be liquid at room temperature. The liquid may include water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts and natural or artificial flavors. The liquid may comprise one or more aerosol-formers. Examples of suitable aerosol formers include glycerin and propylene glycol.

The storage portion may be configured such that aerosol-forming substrate held in the storage portion is protected from ambient air. The storage portion may be configured such that aerosol-forming substrate stored in the storage portion is protected from light. This may reduce the risk of degradation of the matrix. This also maintains a high level of hygiene.

The storage portion may comprise a carrier material within a housing for holding the aerosol-forming substrate. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be adsorbed or otherwise loaded onto a carrier material. The carrier material may be made of any suitable absorbent plug or body, for example, a foamed metal or plastic material, polypropylene, dacron, nylon fibers or ceramic. The aerosol-forming substrate may be retained in a carrier material prior to use of the aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-forming substrate may be released into the carrier material during use. The aerosol-forming substrate may be released into the carrier material immediately prior to use. For example, a liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be provided in a capsule. The shell of the capsule may melt upon heating by the heating member and release the liquid aerosol-forming substrate into the carrier material. Capsules may contain a combination of solids and liquids.

The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be held in a capillary material. A capillary material is a material that actively transports liquid from one end of the material to the other. The capillary material may be oriented in the housing to convey a liquid aerosol-forming substrate to an atomiser of the aerosol-generating system. The capillary material may have a fibrous structure. The capillary material may have a sponge-like structure. The capillary material may comprise a capillary bundle. The capillary material may comprise a plurality of fibers. The capillary material may comprise a plurality of wires. The capillary material may comprise a fine bore tube. The fibers, threads and fine bore tubes may be generally aligned to deliver the liquid to the atomizer. Capillary materials may include a combination of fibers, threads, and fine bore tubing. The capillary material may comprise a sponge-like material. The capillary material may comprise a foam-like material. The structure of the capillary material may form a plurality of pores or tubules through which liquid may be transported by capillary action.

The capillary material may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials are sponges or foams, ceramic or graphite matrix materials in the form of fibers or sintered powders, foamed metal or plastic materials, for example fibrous materials made from as-spun or extruded fibers, such as cellulose acetate, polyester or bonded polyolefin, polyethylene, dacron or polypropylene fibers, nylon fibers or ceramics. The capillary material may have any suitable capillarity and porosity to allow for different liquid physical properties. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate has physical properties including, but not limited to, viscosity, surface tension, density, thermal conductivity, boiling point and atomic pressure, which allow liquid to be transported through the capillary material by capillary action. The capillary material may be configured to convey the aerosol-forming substrate to the aerosol-generating member.

The component may comprise one or more air channels. The one or more air passages may extend through the storage portion. The storage portion may comprise a substantially annular space surrounding the one or more air channels. The one or more air passages may be formed by one or more ducts extending through the storage portion. The one or more conduits may be rigid. The one or more conduits may be substantially fluid impermeable. The storage portion may comprise a substantially annular space surrounding the one or more conduits.

At least a portion of the one or more conduits may be fluid permeable. As used herein, with reference to the present invention, a 'fluid permeable' portion means a portion that allows liquid or gas to permeate through. The one or more conduits may have one or more openings to allow fluid to permeate therethrough. In particular, the fluid permeable portion or the one or more openings may allow aerosol-forming substrate in the liquid phase, the gas phase or both the gas and liquid phases to permeate therethrough.

The component may comprise an aerosol generating member. The aerosol-generating member may be arranged to receive aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion. The aerosol generating member may be a nebulizer. The aerosol-generating member may comprise one or more aerosol-generating elements. The aerosol-generating member may be configured to atomise the received aerosol-forming substrate using heat. The aerosol-generating means may comprise heating means for atomising the received aerosol-generating substrate. The one or more aerosol-generating elements may be heating elements. The aerosol-generating member may be configured to atomise the received aerosol-forming substrate using ultrasonic vibration. The aerosol-generating member may comprise an ultrasonic transducer. The one or more aerosol-generating elements may comprise one or more vibratable elements.

Where the component comprises one or more air channels, at least a portion of the aerosol-generating member may extend into one or more of the one or more air channels to generate an aerosolized aerosol-forming substrate in the one or more air channels. At least a portion of the one or more aerosol-generating elements may be arranged in the one or more air channels.

The aerosol-generating member may comprise a heating member configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. The heating means may comprise one or more heating elements. The one or more heating elements may be suitably arranged so as to most effectively heat the received aerosol-forming substrate. The one or more heating elements may be arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate primarily by means of conduction. The one or more heating elements may be arranged substantially in direct contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. The one or more heating elements may be arranged to transfer heat to the aerosol-forming substrate via one or more heat-conducting elements. The one or more heating elements may be arranged to transfer heat to ambient air drawn through the component during use, which may heat the aerosol-forming substrate by convection. The one or more heating elements may be arranged to heat ambient air before it is drawn through the aerosol-forming substrate. The one or more heating elements may be arranged to heat ambient air after it has been drawn through the aerosol-forming substrate.

The heating means may be an electric heating means or an electric heater. The electric heater may comprise one or more electric heating elements. The one or more electrical heating elements may comprise a resistive material. Suitable resistive materials may include, but are not limited to: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, "conductive" ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composites made of ceramic and metallic materials.

The one or more electrical heating elements may be in any suitable form. For example, the one or more electrical heating elements may be in the form of one or more heating blades. The one or more electrical heating elements may be in the form of a housing or substrate having different electrically conductive portions, or one or more electrically resistive metal tubes. The storage portion may incorporate one or more disposable heating elements. The one or more electrical heating elements may comprise one or more heating needles or rods running through the aerosol-forming substrate. The one or more electrical heating elements may comprise one or more flexible sheets. The electrical heating means may comprise one or more heating wires or filaments, such as Ni-Cr, platinum, tungsten or alloy wires, or heating plates. The one or more heating elements may be deposited in or on a rigid carrier material.

The one or more heating elements may comprise one or more heat sinks or thermal reservoirs. The one or more heat sinks or heat reservoirs may comprise a material capable of absorbing and storing heat and subsequently releasing the heat to the aerosol-forming substrate over time. The one or more fins may be formed of any suitable material, such as a suitable metal or ceramic material. The material may have a high heat capacity (sensible heat storage material) or may be a material capable of absorbing and subsequently releasing heat by a reversible process such as a high temperature phase change. Suitable sensible heat storage materials include silica gel, alumina, carbon, glass mat, glass fiber, minerals, metals or alloys (e.g., aluminum, silver or lead), and cellulosic materials (e.g., paper). Other suitable materials that release heat by a reversible phase change include paraffin waxes, sodium acetate, naphthalene, waxes, polyethylene oxide, metals, metal salts, and eutectic salt mixtures or alloys.

The aerosol-generating member may comprise one or more vibratable elements and one or more actuators arranged to excite vibrations in the one or more vibratable elements. The one or more vibratable elements may comprise a plurality of channels through which the aerosol-forming substrate may pass and become aerosolized. The one or more actuators may include one or more piezoelectric transducers.

The aerosol-generating member may comprise one or more capillary wicks for conveying liquid aerosol-forming substrate held in the storage portion to the one or more elements of the aerosol-generating member. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may have physical properties including viscosity which allow liquid to be transported through the one or more capillary wick by capillary action. The one or more capillary cores may have any of the properties of the structures described above with respect to the capillary material.

One or more capillary wick may be arranged to be in contact with a liquid held in the liquid storage portion. The one or more capillary wick may extend into the storage portion. In this case, in use, liquid may be transported from the storage portion to the one or more elements of the aerosol-generating member by capillary action in the one or more capillary wick. The one or more capillary wick may have a first end and a second end. The first end may extend into the storage portion to draw liquid aerosol-forming substrate held in the liquid storage portion into the aerosol-generating member. The second end may extend into the one or more air channels. The second end may comprise one or more aerosol-generating elements. The first end and the second end may extend into the liquid storage portion. One or more aerosol-generating elements may be arranged at a central portion of the wick between the first and second ends. In use, on activation of one or more aerosol-generating elements, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the one or more capillary wicks is atomised at and around the one or more aerosol-generating elements.

Where the component comprises one or more air channels, at least a portion of the aerosol-generating member may extend into one or more of the one or more air channels. Where the one or more air channels are formed by one or more ducts, the one or more capillary wicks may extend through the one or more ducts into the one or more air channels at the one or more openings. In use, the atomised aerosol-forming substrate may be mixed with and carried in the airflow through the one or more air channels. The capillary properties of the one or more capillary wicks in combination with the properties of the liquid substrate may ensure that during normal use, when sufficient aerosol-forming substrate is present, the wick is always wet with the liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the region of the heated or vibratable element towards the aerosol-generating member.

The aerosol-generating member may comprise one or more heating wires or filaments surrounding a portion of the one or more capillary wick. The heating wire or filament may support the enclosed portion of the one or more capillary wicks.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising components substantially as described in relation to the first aspect of the invention. The disabling member may be configured such that the aerosol-generating system is irreversibly inoperable. The component may be an integral part of the aerosol-generating system. The component may be integrally formed with the aerosol-generating system. The component may be secured to other components of the aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-generating system may be an electrically operated smoking system.

The aerosol-generating system may comprise a power source. The power source may be a battery. The battery may be a lithium-based battery, such as a lithium cobalt, lithium iron phosphate, lithium titanate, or lithium polymer battery. The battery may be a nickel metal hydride battery or a nickel cadmium battery. The power supply may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power supply may require recharging and is configured for many charge-discharge cycles. The power source may have a capacity that allows storage of sufficient energy for one or more smoking experiences; for example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to allow aerosol to be continuously generated over a period of about six minutes (corresponding to the typical time it takes to smoke a conventional cigarette) or over a period that is a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to allow a predetermined number of discrete activations of the suction or heating member and the actuator.

The aerosol-generating system may comprise a control system configured to operate the aerosol-generating member. The control system may comprise an electrical circuit connected to the aerosol-generating member and a power source. The circuit may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The circuit may comprise further electronic components. The electrical circuit may be configured to regulate the supply of electrical power to the aerosol-generating member. The power may be supplied to the aerosol-generating member continuously after the system is started, or may be supplied intermittently, as on a puff-by-puff basis. The electrical power may be supplied to the aerosol-generating member in the form of pulses of electrical current.

The aerosol-generating system may comprise a temperature sensor in communication with the control system. The temperature sensor may be adjacent to the storage portion of the component. The temperature sensor may be a thermocouple. At least one element of the aerosol-generating member may be used by the control system to provide information about temperature. The temperature-dependent resistive property of the at least one element may be known and used to determine the temperature of the at least one element in a manner known to the skilled person.

The aerosol-generating system may comprise a puff detector in communication with the control electronics. The puff detector may be configured to detect when a user draws on the mouthpiece. The control electronics may be configured to control power to the aerosol-generating member in dependence on input from the puff detector.

The aerosol-generating system may comprise a user input, such as a switch or button. This enables the user to switch on the system. A switch or button may activate the aerosol-generating member. A switch or button may initiate aerosol generation. A switch or button may prepare the control electronics to await input from the puff detector.

The aerosol-generating system may comprise a housing. The housing may be elongate. The housing may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics or composites containing one or more of those materials, or thermoplastics suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyethylene. The material may be light and not brittle.

The housing may include a cavity for receiving a power supply. The housing may comprise a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may comprise at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet. The mouthpiece may comprise more than one air inlet. One or more of the air inlets may reduce the temperature of the aerosol before delivery to the user and may reduce the concentration of the aerosol before delivery to the user.

The aerosol-generating system may be portable. The aerosol-generating system may have a size comparable to a conventional cigar or cigarette. The aerosol-generating system may have an overall length of between about 30mm and about 150 mm. The aerosol-generating system may have an outer diameter of between about 5mm and about 30 mm.

The aerosol-generating system may be an electrically operated smoking system. The aerosol-generating system may be an electronic cigarette or cigar.

An aerosol-generating system may comprise an aerosol-generating device and a cartridge.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a cartridge for an aerosol-generating system, the cartridge comprising a component according to the first aspect of the invention. The disabling means may be configured to render the cartridge irreversibly inoperable.

The cartridge may have any suitable shape. The barrel may be elongate. The cartridge may have any suitable cross-section. The cartridge may have a generally circular, elliptical, hexagonal or octagonal cross-section. The cartridge may have a housing. The housing may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics or composites containing one or more of those materials, or thermoplastics suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyethylene. The material may be light and not brittle.

The cartridge may include a liquid storage portion. The liquid storage portion may comprise a housing for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may comprise an aerosol-generating member configured to receive liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid storage portion.

The storage portion, housing and aerosol-generating member may comprise any features or be arranged in any configuration as described above in relation to the first aspect of the invention. For example, the housing may comprise a first housing portion and a second housing portion substantially as described above in relation to the first aspect of the invention for operating the manually operable disabling means.

The aerosol generating member may comprise a heating member substantially as described above in relation to the first aspect of the invention. The heating means may be inductive heating means such that no electrical contact is formed between the cartridge and the device. The apparatus may include an inductor coil and a power supply configured to provide a high frequency oscillating current to the inductor coil. The cartridge may comprise a base element positioned to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. As used herein, high frequency oscillating current means an oscillating current having a frequency between 500kHz and 10 MHz.

The cartridge may be removably coupled to an aerosol-generating device. When the aerosol-forming substrate has been consumed, the cartridge may be removed from the aerosol-generating device. The cartridge may be disposable. The cartridge may be reusable. The cartridge may be refillable with liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may be replaceable in the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may be reusable.

The cartridge can be manufactured cost-effectively in a reliable and repeatable manner. As used herein, the term 'removably coupled' is used to mean that the cartridge and device can be coupled and decoupled from one another without significant damage to the device or the cartridge.

It may be advantageous to render the cartridge irreversibly inoperable prior to single use. It may be advantageous to render the cartridge irreversibly inoperable but maintain the aerosol-generating device as a reusable device, as the aerosol-generating device may comprise more expensive components, such as control circuitry, than the cartridge.

The cartridge may have a simple design. The cartridge may have a housing in which the aerosol-forming substrate is held. The cartridge housing may be a rigid housing. The housing may comprise a material impermeable to liquid.

The cartridge may include a lid. The cap may be peelable prior to coupling the cartridge to the aerosol-generating device. The cap may be pierceable.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a cavity for the cartridge. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a cavity for receiving the power supply.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise an aerosol-generating member. The aerosol-generating device may comprise one or more control systems of the aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a power source. The power source may be removably coupled to the aerosol-generating device.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may comprise at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet. The mouthpiece may comprise more than one air inlet.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a piercing element for piercing the cap of the cartridge. The mouthpiece may comprise a piercing element. The mouthpiece may comprise at least one first conduit extending between the at least one air inlet and the distal end of the piercing element. The mouthpiece may comprise at least one second conduit extending between the distal end of the piercing element and the at least one air outlet. The mouthpiece may be arranged such that, in use, when a user draws on the mouthpiece, air flows along an air channel extending from the at least one air inlet, through the at least one first conduit, through a portion of the cartridge, through the at least one second conduit, and out of the at least one outlet. This may improve airflow through the aerosol-generating device and enable the aerosol to be more easily delivered to a user.

In use, a user may insert a cartridge as described herein into a cavity of an aerosol-generating device as described herein. The user may attach the mouthpiece to the body of the aerosol-generating device, which may pierce the cartridge with the piercing portion. The user may activate the device by pressing a switch or button. The user may draw on the mouthpiece, which draws air into the device through the one or more air inlets. Air may pass through a portion of the aerosol-generating member, thereby entraining the atomised aerosol-forming substrate; and exits the device through an air outlet in the mouthpiece for inhalation by the user.

A kit of parts may be provided comprising a cartridge, an aerosol-generating component and an aerosol-generating device, substantially as described above. An aerosol-generating system according to aspects of the invention may be provided by assembling a cartridge, an aerosol-generating member and an aerosol-generating device. The components of the kit of parts may be removably connected. The components of the kit of parts may be interchangeable. The components of the kit of parts may be disposable. The components of the kit of parts may be reusable.

Features described in relation to one aspect of the invention may also be applied to other aspects of the invention. The features described in relation to the components may be applicable to a cartridge or an aerosol-generating system. The features described in relation to the cartridge may be applicable to the component or the aerosol-generating system. The features described in relation to the aerosol-generating system may be applicable to a component or cartridge.

Drawings

The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a prior art electrically operated smoking system;

figure 2 is a cross-section of a cartridge of an electrically operated smoking system according to a first example of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-section of the cartridge of FIG. 2, wherein the disabling member has been operated to render the cartridge irreversibly inoperable;

figure 4 is a cross-section of a cartridge of an electrically operated smoking system according to a second example of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-section of the cartridge of FIG. 4, wherein the disabling member has been operated to render the cartridge irreversibly inoperable;

FIG. 6 is a cross-section of a cartridge according to a third example of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-section of the cartridge of FIG. 6, wherein the disabling member has been operated to render the cartridge irreversibly inoperable;

FIG. 8 is a cross-section of a cartridge according to a fourth example of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a cross-section of the cartridge of FIG. 8, wherein the disabling member has been operated to render the cartridge irreversibly inoperable;

FIG. 10 is a cross-section of a cartridge according to a fifth example of the invention; and

fig. 11 is a cross-section of the cartridge of fig. 10, wherein the disabling member has been operated to render the cartridge irreversibly inoperable.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol-generating system 1. The aerosol-generating system 1 shown in figure 1 may be an electrically operated smoking system. Fig. 1 is schematic in nature. In particular, the components shown are not necessarily to scale, either individually or relative to each other. The aerosol-generating system 1 comprises an aerosol-generating device 2 cooperating with a component 10. The component 10 is a cartridge for the aerosol-generating device 2. The aerosol-generating device 2 may be reusable. The component 10 may be disposable.

The aerosol-generating device 2 comprises an elongate generally circular cylindrical housing 3 having a longitudinal length of about 100mm and an outer diameter of about 20mm, comparable to a conventional cigar. The housing 3 has a body end 4 and a mouth end 5. A power source 6 in the form of a rechargeable lithium battery and a control system 7 including electronic controls and a microprocessor are arranged in the body end 4. A control system 7 is also provided for a puff detection system (not shown). A cavity 8 is formed in the mouth end 5 in which the component 10 is received. The cavity 8 is substantially separated from the power source 6 and the control system 7 in the body end 4 by a separating wall 9 which substantially protects the power source 6 and the control system 7 from heat and by-products generated by the component 10 when the aerosol-generating system 1 is operated.

An air inlet 24 and an air outlet 26 are provided in the mouthpiece end 5 to enable ambient air to be drawn through the cavity 8. A further air inlet 28 is provided in the body end 4 in proximity to a puff detection system (not shown) and an air inlet 30 is provided in the dividing wall 9 to enable air to be drawn from the mouthpiece end 5 through the body end 4 past the puff detection system.

The component 10 comprises a generally circular cylindrical housing 11 having generally closed ends. An air inlet is formed in one of the substantially closed ends and an air outlet is formed in the other substantially closed end to enable air to be drawn through the component. The component housing 11 also includes a keying feature (not shown) that substantially prevents the component 10 from being received upside down in the cavity 8.

The liquid storage portion 12 is contained in the component housing 11. The liquid storage portion 12 comprises a generally circular cylindrical housing 13 which is rigid and generally fluid impermeable. The liquid storage portion 12 contains a carrier material 14 holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The conduit 20 extends through the liquid storage portion housing 13, extending substantially coaxially along the length of the housing 13. The liquid storage portion 12 forms a generally annular, circular cylindrical chamber around the conduit 20. The duct 20 has an open end that is substantially aligned with the air inlet and air outlet of the component housing 11. This provides a substantially linear air passage 22 through the component 10.

The component 10 further comprises an aerosol-generating member 15 comprising a capillary wick 16 and an electrical coil heater 18. The capillary wick 16 includes a plurality of fibers that are generally aligned from a first end to a second end of the wick 16. The capillary wick 16 spans the width of the air channel 22. A central portion of the core 16 extends across the air passage 22 and first and second ends of the core 16 extend through the conduit 20 and into the carrier material 14. An electric coil heater 18 surrounds a central portion of the core 16 and is disposed within the air passage 22. The electrical coil heater 18 is electrically connected to the power supply 5 and control system 6 of the device 2 by an electrical circuit (not shown). The electrical circuit includes one or more electrical contacts that align with one or more complementary contacts of the device 2 when the component 10 is received in the cavity 8.

In other examples (not shown), component 10 may be connected to device 2 by induction, the device comprising an inductor coil and component 10 comprising a base element arranged to electrically couple with the inductor coil when component 10 is received in cavity 8.

In use, liquid aerosol-forming substrate held in the carrier material 14 in the liquid storage portion 12 is transported by capillary action from the carrier material 14 towards the central portion into the first and second ends of the wick 16. When a user draws on the aerosol-generating device 2 at the mouthpiece end 5, ambient air is drawn into the cavity 8 through the air inlet 24, along the air channel 22 through the component 10 and out the air outlet 26 for inhalation by the user. A small amount of ambient air is also drawn through the air inlet 28 in the body end 4 of the aerosol-generating device 2 and into the cavity 8 through the air inlet 30 in the dividing wall 9. This small amount of air triggers the puff detection system and upon detection of a puff, the control system 6 activates the electrical coil heater 18. The power supply 6 supplies electrical energy to the activated coil heater 18, which heats the central portion of the wick 16 and vaporises the liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the central portion. The heated aerosol-forming substrate evaporates to form a supersaturated vapour in the air passage 22. The vaporised liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the wick 16 is replaced in a central portion of the wick by another liquid aerosol-forming substrate that moves along the wick 16 by capillary action (this is sometimes referred to as 'suction action'). The supersaturated vapour generated by the aerosol-generating member 15 is entrained in the airflow through the air passage 22. As the supersaturated vapour cools, it condenses to form an inhalable aerosol, which is carried in the airflow through the air passage 22, out of the air outlet 26 and to the user's mouth for inhalation.

In other examples (not shown), the mouthpiece end 5 comprises an additional air inlet downstream of the aerosol-generating member 15 to draw in additional cold air to mix with the vapourised aerosol-forming substrate and cool the vapour and aerosol before the aerosol reaches the user.

In other examples (not shown), the aerosol-generating member 15 comprises a capillary wick 16 having only a first end extending into the liquid storage portion 12 and a second end extending into the air passage and surrounding the coil heater 18.

In other examples (not shown), the component 10 is not a cartridge, and portions of the component 10 are integrated with portions of the aerosol-generating device 2. In one example (not shown), the aerosol-generating system is configured for single use. In another example (not shown), the aerosol-generating device 2 comprises a valve to enable refilling of the liquid storage portion 12 with liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

The component 10 does not comprise a manually operated disabling member according to the present invention.

Referring to fig. 2 and 3, a component 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown. The component 100 comprises a manually operable disabling means configured to render a storage portion of the component irreversibly inoperable.

The component 100 is a cartridge for an aerosol-generating device, such as the aerosol-generating device 2 shown in figure 1. The component 100 does not comprise an aerosol-generating member. The aerosol-generating member may be disposed in a cavity of the aerosol-generating device or may be removably couplable to at least one of the component and the aerosol-generating device.

The component 100 includes a rigid housing 102 that includes two housing portions-a first housing portion 104 and a second housing portion 106. The first housing part 104 has the same basic shape as the second housing part 106. The first and

second housing portions

104, 106 are generally circular cylindrical in shape and include a generally closed first end and a generally open second end. The substantially closed end of the first housing portion 104 includes an air inlet 114 and the substantially closed end of the second housing portion 106 includes an air outlet 116. The width of the first housing portion 104 is slightly less than the width of the second housing portion so that the first housing portion can be received in the second housing portion by an interference fit. The interference fit makes it difficult for the user to push the first part into the second part.

The second housing portion 106 includes a liquid storage portion 108 and a conduit 112 forming an air passage 115, generally as described in the component 10 shown in fig. 1. The liquid storage portion 108 comprises a rigid housing 109 forming a generally annular, circular cylindrical chamber around the conduit 112. The liquid storage portion housing 109 includes a frangible portion 122 disposed towards the open end of the second housing portion 106. The liquid storage portion 108 is free of carrier material. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate 110 is freely held within the liquid storage portion 108.

The first housing portion 104 includes an auxiliary storage portion 118. The auxiliary storage part 118 includes a circular cylindrical body having a ring shape of a sponge material. The auxiliary storage portion 118 has an outer diameter similar to that of the liquid storage portion 108 and an inner diameter similar to that of the air passage 115. The first housing portion 104 also includes two piercing elements 120. The two piercing elements 120 are conical spikes formed of a rigid polymeric material. The base of the conical spike is adhered to the body with the sponge material and a central passage (not shown) passes through each piercing element from the piercing tip to the base at the body with the sponge material.

The first housing portion 104 is disposed in substantially coaxial alignment with the second housing portion 106, with the open end of the first housing portion 104 received in the open end of the second housing portion 106. The first housing portion 104 and the second housing portion 106 form a generally circular cylindrical housing 102. In this arrangement, the air inlet 114, air channel 115, and air outlet 116 are aligned to form a substantially linear air channel through the component 100.

The component 100 comprises a manually operable disabling means for making the liquid storage portion irreversibly inoperable. The disabling member includes at least a first housing portion 104, a second housing portion 106, an auxiliary storage portion 118, a piercing element 120 and a frangible portion 122 of the liquid storage portion 108.

The component 100 is shown in fig. 2 in an operating arrangement in which the manually operable disabling member has not been operated by the user. In the operating arrangement, the component 100 may be operated by an aerosol-generating device substantially as described with respect to the component 10 and the device 2 shown in figure 1. In the operative arrangement, the first housing portion 104 extends substantially beyond the open end of the second housing portion 106, and the piercing element 120 is spaced from the frangible portion 122 of the liquid storage portion 108 by a piercing tip facing the frangible portion 122.

To operate the disabling member, the user presses the first housing portion 104 towards the second housing portion 106 substantially along the longitudinal axis of the component 100. As the first housing portion 104 is advanced into the second housing portion 106, the piercing element 120 moves toward the liquid storage portion 108 and the piercing tip pierces the frangible portion 122 of the liquid storage portion 108. The central passage of the piercing element 120 provides a passage between the liquid storage portion 108 and the secondary storage portion 118 for fluid communication.

The disabling means may be operated by orienting the component 100 with the first housing portion 104 below the second housing portion 106, and 'snapping out' the component 100 against a horizontal surface to press the first housing portion 104 into the second housing portion 106. In this orientation, gravity may urge the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 110 towards the secondary storage portion 118. However, to further assist in drawing liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid storage portion 108 to the secondary storage portion 118, the passage of the piercing element 120 may be sized to draw liquid aerosol-forming substrate into the secondary storage portion by capillary action, or capillary material may be provided in the passage of the piercing element 120.

The component 100 is shown in a disabled arrangement in fig. 3. In the disabled arrangement, the disabling means of the component 100 has been operated and the component has been rendered irreversibly inoperable.

In the disabled arrangement, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 110 held in the liquid storage portion 108 passes through the passage of the piercing element 120 and is absorbed by the body having the sponge material in the auxiliary storage portion 118. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate 110 is collected in the secondary storage portion 118 and is held in the secondary storage portion 118 by a sponge material. This substantially prevents the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 110 from moving from the secondary storage portion 118 back to the liquid storage portion 108. This renders the liquid storage portion 108 irreversibly inoperable. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate 110 is also substantially prevented from being received by an aerosol-generating member of an aerosol-generating device. This renders the component 200 irreversibly inoperable by the aerosol-generating device.

In the disabled arrangement, the component 100 is also arranged such that the first housing portion 104 is substantially inaccessible to the user. As shown in fig. 3, the closed end of the first housing portion 104 is disposed substantially flush with the open end of the second housing portion 102 when the disabling member is operated. In this arrangement, the first housing portion 104 is substantially contained within the second housing portion 106 and substantially prevents a user from gripping the first housing portion 104. This substantially prevents a user from moving the first housing portion 104 from the disabled arrangement to the operative arrangement.

In other embodiments (not shown), the component 100 is not a cartridge, and portions of the component 100 are integrated with portions of an aerosol-generating device. In such embodiments, the first and second housing portions of the component are first and second housing portions of a housing of an aerosol-generating system, and a user may 'twist off' the aerosol-generating system to operate the disabling means in a similar manner to extinguishing a conventional cigar or cigarette.

Referring to fig. 4 and 5, a component 200 according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown. The component 200 comprises a manually operable disabling means configured to render the liquid storage portion of the component irreversibly inoperable.

The component 200 is a cartridge for an aerosol-generating device and is of similar size and shape to the component 100 shown in figures 2 and 3. Specifically, component 200 includes a liquid storage portion 208, a conduit 212, and an air channel 215, arranged similarly to the corresponding components of component 100 described above and shown in fig. 2 and 3. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate 210 is freely held in the liquid storage portion 208.

The component 200 comprises an aerosol-generating member 230. The aerosol-generating member 230 is similar to the aerosol-generating member 15 of the component 10 shown in figure 1 and comprises a capillary wick 232 and an electrical coil heater 234. The aerosol-generating member 230 is arranged in abutting coaxial alignment with the liquid storage portion 208, and the first and second ends of the wick 232 extend into the abutting end of the liquid storage portion 208. An annular shield 236 is secured to the adjacent end of the liquid storage portion 208 and generally surrounds the core 232 and the coil 234. In other embodiments (not shown), the aerosol-generating member 230 may be removably coupled to the liquid storage portion 208 or the component 200.

The component 200 comprises a housing 202 containing a liquid storage portion 208 and an aerosol-generating member 230. The component housing 202 comprises a single housing portion that is generally circular cylindrical and is generally closed at both ends. The air inlet 214 is provided at the end furthest from the aerosol-generating member 230 and the air outlet 216 is provided at the end closest to the aerosol-generating member 230. The air inlet 214, air channel 215, and air outlet 216 are substantially aligned to provide a substantially linear air channel through the component 200.

The component housing 202 includes a manually deformable portion 204 at a central region along its length. Manually deformable portion 204 includes an area having a reduced thickness. The reduced thickness of the manually deformable portion may weaken the structure of the housing 202 at the manually deformable portion 204. This may enable a user to deform the manually deformable portion 204 under compression.

The secondary storage portion 218 is disposed within the housing 202, between the liquid storage portion 208 and the housing 202. The secondary storage portion 218 is disposed radially outward of the liquid storage portion 208 and substantially surrounds the liquid storage portion 208 along its length. The auxiliary storage portion 218 includes a rigid housing 221, similar to the housing of the liquid storage portion 208. The secondary storage portion 218 contains particles of a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) material 219.

The piercing element 220 is secured to the inner surface of the housing 202. The piercing elements 220 comprise opposing pairs of arcuate cutting blades spaced about the circumference of the housing 202. Each of the blades has a cutting edge arranged to face radially inward.

The means 200 comprises a manually operable disabling means for making the liquid storage portion irreversibly inoperable. The disabling member comprises at least a manually deformable portion 204 of the housing 202, an auxiliary storage portion 218 comprising SAP material 219 and a piercing element 220.

The component 200 is shown in an operating arrangement in fig. 4 in which the manually operable disabling member has not been operated by the user. In the operating arrangement, the component 200 may be operated by an aerosol-generating device substantially as described with respect to the component 10 and the device 2 shown in figure 1.

In the operative arrangement, the piercing element is disposed within the secondary storage portion 218, spaced from the inner wall 221 of the secondary storage portion and the outer wall 222 of the liquid storage portion 208.

To operate the disabling member, the user may compress the opposite sides of the manually deformable portion 204 toward the center of the component 200. As the manually deformable portion 204 is compressed, the piercing element 220 advances towards the inner wall 221 of the secondary storage portion 218 and the outer wall 222 of the liquid storage portion 208. The cutting edges of the piercing elements 220 pierce the inner wall 221 and the outer wall 222. This enables fluid communication between the liquid storage portion 208 and the secondary storage portion 218 and releases the SAP material 219 from the secondary storage portion 218 into the liquid storage portion 208.

The component 200 is shown in a disabled arrangement in fig. 5. In the disabled arrangement, the disabling means of the component 200 has operated and the component has been rendered irreversibly inoperable.

In the deactivated arrangement, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 210 held in the liquid storage portion 208 is in contact with the released SAP material 219 and is absorbed by the SAP material 219. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate is retained by the SAP-material 219. This makes the liquid storage portion 208 unsuitable for holding the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 210 and makes the liquid storage portion irreversibly inoperable. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate 210 is also substantially prevented from being received by the aerosol-generating member 230, in effect being retained in the SAP material 219. This renders the component 200 irreversible operable by the aerosol-generating device.

In other embodiments (not shown), the SAP material may be held in the secondary storage portion 218 and the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 210 may be transferred from the liquid storage portion 208 to the secondary storage portion 218.

Referring to fig. 6 and 7, a component 300 according to a third embodiment of the invention is shown. The component 300 comprises a manually operable disabling means configured to render the aerosol-generating means of the component irreversibly inoperable.

The component 300 is a cartridge for an aerosol-generating device and is of similar size and shape to the component 100 shown in figures 2 and 3. Specifically, component 300 includes a liquid storage portion 308, a conduit 312, and a housing 302 including a first housing portion 304 and a second housing portion 306, arranged similarly to the corresponding portions of component 100.

The liquid storage portion 308 comprises a carrier material 310 comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

The component 300 comprises an aerosol-generating member 330. The aerosol-generating member 330 comprises a capillary wick 332 and an electrical coil heater 334, arranged similarly to the aerosol-generating member 15 of the component 10 shown in figure 1. The electric coil heater 334 is electrically connected to the control system and power supply of the aerosol-generating device by an electrical circuit 338. The circuit 338 includes an arrangement of wires extending from both ends of the coil heater 334. Each wire arrangement comprises a first wire 340 connected to the coil heater 334 and a second wire 342 connected to an electrical contact 344 arranged on the second housing part 306. First wire 340 and second wire 342 are electrically connected by a frangible connection, including a solder joint. When the component 300 is received in the aerosol-generating device, the contacts 346 align with complementary contacts of the aerosol-generating device, and the circuit 338 electrically connects the coil heater 334 to a power supply and control system of the aerosol-generating device.

A portion of a first electrical wire 340 is secured to the first housing portion 304 and a portion of a second electrical wire 342 is secured to the second housing portion 306. The wires are secured to the component housing 302 by a layer of bonding material, such as an adhesive.

The component 300 includes a manually operable disabling member that includes at least a first housing portion 304, a second housing portion 306, and a frangible connection 344.

The components 300 are shown in an operational arrangement in fig. 6. In the operating arrangement, the component 300 may be operated by an aerosol-generating device substantially as described with respect to the component 10 and the device 2 shown in figure 1.

In the operative arrangement, the first housing portion 304 extends substantially beyond the open end of the second housing portion 306 and the circuit 338 is complete.

To operate the disabling member, the user presses the first housing portion 304 into the second housing portion 306. As the first housing portion 304 advances into the second housing portion 306, the first wire 340 moves with the first housing portion 304. The second wire 342 is not secured to the first housing portion 304 and, therefore, the second wire 342 does not move with the first housing portion 304. Relative movement of first wire 342 and second wire 344 applies tension to frangible connection 346 and causes frangible connection 346 to break.

The component 300 is shown in a disabled arrangement in fig. 7. In the disabling arrangement, the disabling means of the component 300 has operated and the component has been rendered irreversibly inoperable.

In the disabled arrangement, the frangible connection 346 is broken, meaning that the circuit 338 connecting the coil heater 334 with the control system and power supply of the aerosol-generating device is broken. This renders the aerosol-generating member 330 and the component 300 irreversibly operable by the aerosol-generating device.

Referring to fig. 8 and 9, a component 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention is shown. The component 400 comprises a manually operable disabling means configured to render the air channel of the component irreversibly inoperable.

The component 400 is a cartridge for an aerosol-generating device and is of similar size and shape to the component 300 shown in figures 6 and 7. In particular, the component 400 comprises a liquid storage portion 408, a conduit 412, an aerosol-generating member 430 and a housing 402 comprising a first housing portion 404 and a second housing portion 406, arranged similarly to the corresponding portions of the component 300.

An air passage is formed through the member 400. The air passages include an air outlet 414 of the second housing portion 406, an air passage 415 of the duct 412, and an air outlet 416 of the first housing portion 404. Duct 412 includes an open end 417 disposed toward air inlet 414 and an open end 419 disposed toward air outlet 416.

The barrier 420 is secured to the first housing portion 404 and is disposed between the air outlet 416 of the first housing portion 404 and the open end 419 of the conduit 415. The barrier 420 is constructed of a substantially gas impermeable material, which may be the same material as the housing 402. The barrier 420 is substantially L-shaped. One end of the barrier 420 is secured to an inner surface of the closed end of the first housing portion 404 and is arranged to extend generally in a longitudinal direction, generally away from the closed end and towards the open end of the first housing portion 404. The other end of barrier 420, which extends substantially perpendicular to the first end, extends substantially across the component. The laterally extending end is disposed between the air outlet 416 and the open end 419 of the conduit 412. The laterally extending end extends substantially across the path of the air passage through the component; however, the barrier 420 does not extend to the sides of the first housing portion 404. This provides spacing between the laterally extending ends of the barrier 420 and the sides of the first housing portion 404.

The component 400 includes a manually operable disabling member that includes at least a first housing portion 404, a second housing portion 406, and a barrier 420.

The component 400 is shown in an operating arrangement in fig. 8 in which the manually operable disabling member has not been operated by the user. In the operating arrangement, the component 400 may be operated by an aerosol-generating device substantially as described with respect to the component 10 and the device 2 shown in figure 1.

In the operating arrangement, the first housing portion 404 extends substantially beyond the open end of the second housing portion 406, and the barrier 420 spaces the opening 419 of the duct 412 from the air outlet 416 of the first housing portion 404. This provides a channel along which air may flow from the opening 419 of the duct 412, through the spacing between the barrier 420 and the side of the first housing portion 404, and out of the air outlet 416.

To operate the disabling member, the user presses the first housing portion 404 into the second housing portion 406. The barrier 420 is advanced with the first housing portion 404 toward the conduit 412 and into abutment with the open end 419 of the conduit 412. In this arrangement, the barrier 420 substantially blocks the open end 419 of the tube 412.

The component 400 is shown in a disabled arrangement in fig. 7. In the disabled arrangement, the disabling means of the component 400 has operated and the component 400 has been rendered irreversibly inoperable.

In the disabled arrangement, the barrier 420 substantially blocks the open end 419 of the conduit 412. This blocks the passage of air through the component and renders the air passage inoperable. Without an air passage enabling air to pass through the component 400, aerosol generated by the aerosol generating member cannot exit the component 400. This makes the component 400 inoperable with an aerosol-generating device.

As described with respect to the component 100 shown in fig. 3, in the disabled arrangement, the first housing portion 404 is substantially contained within the second housing portion 406. This renders the first housing portion 404 substantially inaccessible to a user. This renders the air channel and the member 400 irreversibly inoperable.

In other embodiments (not shown), the open end 419 of the tube 412 or barrier 420 may have a layer of bonding material, such as an adhesive, to secure the barrier 420 to the open end 419 of the tube 420. This may render the component irreversibly inoperable.

Referring to fig. 10 and 11, a component 500 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention is shown. The component 500 comprises a manually operable disabling means configured to make the air passage of said component irreversibly inoperable.

The component 500 is a cartridge for an aerosol-generating device and is substantially identical to the component 400 shown in figures 8 and 9. However, the component 500 includes a first barrier 520 and a second barrier 522.

The first barrier 520 is substantially identical to the barrier 420 of the component 400 shown in fig. 8 and 9. The second barrier 522 of the component 500 is substantially similar to the first barrier 520; however, the second barrier 522 is secured to the first housing portion 504 by an elongate sidewall 521 that extends between the second housing portion 506 and the liquid storage portion 510. The second barrier 522 includes laterally extending ends disposed between the air outlets 514 of the second housing portion 506 and the other open ends 517 of the conduits 512. The laterally extending end of the second barrier 522 extends substantially across the path of the air passage through the component; however, the second barrier 522 does not extend to the side of the second housing portion 506. This provides a spacing between the laterally extending end of the second barrier 522 and the side of the second housing portion 506.

The component 504 comprises a manually operable disabling member that includes at least a first housing portion 504, a second housing portion 506, a first barrier 520, and a second barrier 522.

The component 500 is shown in an operating arrangement in fig. 10 in which the manually operable disabling member has not been operated by the user. In the operating arrangement, the component 500 may be operated by an aerosol-generating device substantially as described with respect to the component 10 and the device 2 shown in figure 1.

In the operating arrangement, the second barrier 522 is spaced from the opening 517 of the duct 512 and from the air inlet 514 of the second housing portion 506. This provides a channel along which air may flow into the component 500 through the air inlet 514, through the spacing between the second barrier 522 and the second housing portion 506 and into the opening 517 of the conduit 512. The first barrier 520 is spaced from the opening 519 of the duct 512 and from the air outlet 516 of the first housing portion 504. This provides a channel along which air may flow from the opening 519 of the duct 512 out of the component 500, through the spacing between the barrier 520 and the side of the first housing portion 504 and out of the air outlet 516.

To operate the disabling member, the user presses the first housing portion 504 into the second housing portion 506. The first barrier 520 advances with the first housing portion 504 toward the conduit 512 and abuts the open end 519 of the conduit 512. The second barrier 522 also advances with the first housing portion 504. The second barrier 522 is advanced toward and into abutment with the closed end of the second housing portion 506. In this arrangement, the barrier 520 substantially blocks the open end 519 of the tube 512 and the second barrier 522 substantially blocks the air inlet 514.

The component 500 is shown in a disabled arrangement in fig. 11. In the disabling arrangement, the disabling means of the component 500 has operated and the component has been rendered irreversibly inoperable.

In the disabled arrangement, the first barrier 512 substantially blocks the open end 519 of the conduit 512 and the second barrier 522 substantially blocks the air outlet 514. This substantially blocks the passage of air through the component at two locations. This renders the air channel and the member 500 irreversibly inoperable.

It will be appreciated that the component described above may not be a cartridge for an aerosol-generating system, but may instead be an integral part of the aerosol-generating system.

It is also to be understood that features described with respect to one embodiment may be provided in other embodiments. In particular, it should be appreciated that components, cartridges, and aerosol-generating systems according to the present invention may include more than one type of disabling means. For example, the component may comprise means for rendering the air channel of the component inoperable and means for rendering the aerosol-generating means irreversibly inoperable. In this embodiment (not shown) the component comprises a barrier as shown in fig. 8, 9, 10 and 11 for substantially blocking the air passage of the component when the disabling member is operated and an electrical circuit as shown in fig. 6 and 7 comprising a frangible connection.

Claims

1. A component for an aerosol-generating system, the component for an aerosol-generating system comprising:

a storage portion for storing an aerosol-forming substrate; and

a manually operated disabling means for irreversibly rendering the component for an aerosol-generating system inoperable,

wherein:

the aerosol-forming substrate is a liquid aerosol-forming substrate and the storage portion is a liquid storage portion configured to hold the liquid aerosol-forming substrate;

the disabling means is configured to render the storage portion irreversibly inoperable;

the disabling member includes a secondary storage portion that is substantially isolated from the liquid storage portion; and the disabling member is configured to enable fluid communication between the liquid storage portion and the auxiliary storage portion upon operation of the disabling member; and

the disabling member comprises a sorbent material arranged in the auxiliary storage portion, wherein the sorbent material is arranged to absorb or adsorb liquid aerosol-forming substrate held in the liquid storage portion when the disabling member is operated.

2. A component for an aerosol-generating system, the component for an aerosol-generating system comprising:

a storage portion for storing an aerosol-forming substrate;

an aerosol-generating member arranged to receive an aerosol-forming substrate held in the storage portion, the aerosol-generating member comprising an electrical circuit comprising one or more frangible portions; and

a manually operated disabling means for rendering the component for an aerosol-generating system irreversibly inoperable, wherein the disabling means is configured to rupture the one or more frangible portions to render the aerosol-generating means irreversibly inoperable.

3. A component for an aerosol-generating system, the component for an aerosol-generating system comprising:

a storage portion for storing an aerosol-forming substrate;

one or more air channels; and

a manually operated disabling means for rendering the component for an aerosol-generating system irreversibly inoperable, wherein the disabling means comprises one or more barriers arranged to prevent airflow through the one or more air channels such that the one or more air channels are irreversibly inoperable.

4. A component for an aerosol-generating system according to claim 1, claim 2, or claim 3, wherein the manually operated disabling means may comprise a disabling mechanism.

5. A component for an aerosol-generating system according to claim 1, claim 2, or claim 3, wherein:

the component for an aerosol-generating system comprises a housing comprising a first housing portion and a second housing portion; and is provided with

The first housing portion is manually movable relative to the second housing portion to operate the disabling member.

6. A component for an aerosol-generating system according to claim 1, claim 2, or claim 3, wherein:

the component for an aerosol-generating system comprises a housing comprising a manually deformable portion; and is

The manually deformable portion is arranged to operate the disabling member when the manually deformable portion is deformed.

7. A component for an aerosol-generating system according to claim 1, wherein the disabling member is configured to prevent aerosol-forming substrate from exiting the storage portion.

8. An aerosol-generating system comprising a component for an aerosol-generating system according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the manually-operated disabling means for a component of an aerosol-generating system is configured to render the aerosol-generating system irreversibly inoperable.

9. A cartridge for an aerosol-generating system comprising a component for an aerosol-generating system according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the manually-operated disabling means for a component of an aerosol-generating system is configured such that the cartridge is irreversibly inoperable.